A 10ft boa constrictor was discovered in the back of a car in Bristol after being abandoned, the RSPCA has revealed.

The huge snake was found in a vivarium in the back of a car that was seized by police in Lawrence Weston on Saturday, December 9.

RSPCA inspectors were called to the scene in Musgrove Close and the snake was taken to a vet for urgent care.

Chief inspector John Atkinson said: “It’s certainly not the sort of thing you see everyday. The snake was first brought to the RSPCA Bristol branch clinic before being taken to an exotics specialist where the independent vet sadly had to put the snake to sleep because of his poor condition and respiratory problems.

“We have been unable to trace the owner of the vehicle to try and find out more so are appealing to anyone who thinks they may know where this snake has come from to get in touch with us.”

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The 10ft snake was found by police in the back of a car (Image: RSPCA)

The RSPCA says thousands of exotic pets are in danger as the number of calls it receives about reptiles is rising.

In 2016, the charity received almost 7,000 calls about reptiles in danger and there has been a 71 per cent increase in the past five years – from 4,020 in 2011 to 6,888 in 2016.

The RSPCA says the number of calls it receives about reptiles is rising (Image: RSPCA)

RSPCA senior scientific officer Nicola White said: “The RSPCA has dealt with an increasing number of incidents involving stray, abandoned or neglected pet reptiles in recent years and we find that many end up in our care, thought to be because people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are, or how to care for them properly.

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“Reptiles are commonly found for sale in pet shops or online selling sites, however it is sadly often the case that they are handed over to new keepers with very little or no information about how to care for them or the commitment that is involved in keeping them. It can be confusing for an owner who has never kept a reptile before to know how to set up a vivarium properly, what the correct diet is for the species, or how to tell if their reptile is unwell and needs to see an exotics vet.

Sadly the snake had to be put to sleep after being taken to the vet (Image: RSPCA)

“It is for this reason that we are urging potential owners to research the needs of the animal thoroughly and look into what is required in the care of their pet first before taking one on so they can provide everything that animal needs for the animal’s entire life, which can be a long time.

"We would encourage potential owners to read books written by experts on the particular species they wish to keep, to join member societies where there are experienced keepers who can help if you are struggling and specialist vets are an excellent source of support and advice for owners."

If you have information about where this snake came from, contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 0123 8018.